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ND Libertarian candidate won't be on November ballot after recount

Roland Riemers represented himself in front of the North Dakota Supreme Court in Bismarck asking the court for a recount of his votes in the primary. Tom Stromme / Bismarck Tribune file photo

BISMARCK — A recount of the votes cast in the primary for the North Dakota secretary of state race resulted in one additional vote for Roland Riemers— not enough for the Libertarian candidate to advance to the November election.

The current secretary of state, Al Jaeger, said the recount showed one vote was added in Burleigh County, increasing the statewide vote total for Riemers from 247 to 248.

Riemers of Grand Forks needed at least 300 votes during the June primary to receive his party's nomination and advance to the general election in November.

The North Dakota Supreme Court ordered the recount after Riemers argued that the state law that regulates recounts doesn't apply to political parties but to all candidates seeking office.

Jaeger's office said that since Riemers was the only candidate for his party, he could not request the recount.

Reimers also pointed to possible issues with ballot counting and crossover voting for candidates of different parties as reasons for his vote total. The Supreme Court called for the recount that began Aug. 24.

Jaeger, a Republican, will seek re-election in November. Rep. Josh Boschee, D-Fargo, is the Democratic-NPL nominee for secretary of state.

The State Canvassing Board will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, to certify the recount results.

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